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Virginia Beach high school group supporting healthcare workers nationwide

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - A group from Princess Anne High School in Virginia Beach is providing support to front line healthcare workers in a special way.

Swara Chokshi is keeping tabs on healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Princess Anne High School sophomore hopes one day to become a doctor.

“I would be ready to stay away from home and treat patients as needed,” Chokshi said.

As president of the school's medical club, she drew up a plan for a coronavirus service project, recognizing those on the front lines by saying, "thank you."

“I know they've been working endlessly days and nights onward, trying to help patients recover,” Chokshi said. “To give them inspiration and motivation is the best thing we can do right now.”

She and others made cards and virtual greetings for healthcare workers and sent the project to hospitals all throughout Hampton Roads, and as far as California and New York.

“I think this format was really innovative and unique,” she said. “The video really gives a personal touch and face-to-face interaction, which they could share through social media and other platforms.”

One of the hospitals who received the project is Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center in Portsmouth.

“Watching some of our associates walk out, and take a minute to look at them, you see people smile right away,” Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center President Kate Brinn said.

“Right now, our patients can't have visitors, so our staff are the caregivers. They are the supporters, they are the cheerleaders, the champions, the mourners,” Brinn said. “To get a ‘Thank You’ from a young person who has aspirations to work in the healthcare field, it's a nice way to just reconnect with that, 'This is why I'm in this field. This is why I come to work every single day - to take care of people.'"

Chokshi hopes their message will continue helping heroes of Hampton Roads and around the country.

“Anything at any age that someone does - small or big - is really going to make a difference to someone,” Chokshi said.